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Our flashers weren't flashing, they were stuck on. I think the module is in the steering column assembly, so fuck that, I just replaced the fuse with a flasher module. (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 months ago by to c/dull_mens_club@lemmy.world
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Fuckit, less than $20 parts, and very little labor. Works perfectly 👍

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[+] -28 points 3 months ago (4 children)

For what it's worth, I asked Google Gemini. Can't verify what it says because I don't happen to have a 96 Sonoma.

On a 1996 GMC Sonoma, the flasher relay is located under the lower driver-side dashboard panel (knee bolster), positioned behind and just to the left of the ashtray / center stereo area.

How to Access It:

  1. Remove the lower dash cover: Unscrew the fasteners/Torx screws holding the lower driver-side knee panel beneath the steering column. (Note: Be sure to pull out the ashtray, as there is often a hidden bolt behind it).
  2. Locate the convenience block: Look upward toward the center console area to the left of the ashtray housing. You will see a small electrical relay cluster/harness holding round, cylindrical flasher units.
  3. Identify the flasher:
  • Turn Signal Flasher: Mounted on the right side of the convenience bracket.
  • Hazard Flasher: Mounted on the left side of the convenience bracket. (If your hazard flasher still works, turn it on while listening under the dash to quickly pinpoint the exact relay cluster by ear).
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  • [–] [S] 1 point 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (2 children)

    Ya know what, for shits and giggles, I decided to go ahead and read over the AI slop. It actually is describing one of 3 possible expected locations of the module on this family line of trucks, but I've already checked all 3 expected locations and haven't had any luck finding the OG flasher module so far.

    When we first got the truck back running back in April, the flashers actually did work, but somewhere along the way they just stopped flashing and stayed stuck on. Now, this part of the AI instructions gave me a good chuckle..

    If your hazard flasher still works, turn it on while listening under the dash to quickly pinpoint the exact relay cluster by ear

    LMFAO! Even when the flashers did work, it never made any sound whatsoever!

    This truck has a rather interesting history, to say the least. I'm inclined to think the 'original' flasher module isn't even original itself, and just might have been replaced with some sort of digital flasher that doesn't make any sound. I dunno man, but this truck has had numerous modifications from previous owners, and I'm still sorting stuff out, with almost no expectations and gradually learning what the hell is what.

    And the previous owner is unfortunately now deceased, so I can't exactly ask him what all got modified, I'm finding this stuff out for myself. And it's too damn hot lately to keep going out chasing wild geese to find this otherwise simple module, so for now this is what I'm working with and keeps the truck effectively road legal.

    I'll find that damn module someday, eventually...

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  • [–] 1 point 3 months ago (1 child)

    Do the turn signals work, and do they make a sound? If they do, I'd probably follow that sound and look for the hazard flasher module nearby.

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 3 months ago*

    The original flasher module, wherever the hell it is, used to work, but has never once made a sound, and now it's failed where the blinkers will otherwise just stay on. So, this is my solution for now, until I can figure out where it actually is.

    I've heard that within this family line of trucks, it could be in any one of these 4 locations..

    • Under the dash under the steering column
    • Under the dash by the ashtray/cigarette lighter
    • Under the dash way back beside the emergency brake pedal
    • Under the hood near/under the main power distribution block

    Still no dice, I've checked all 4 of these places. 🤷‍♂️

    Oh, also, side note, our emergency flasher button is completely broke out of our steering column, so short of getting a whole new steering column, we don't have emergency flashers, but at least my fix for the regular blinker flasher works.

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